OVERVIEW
WHAT IS IT? Designed by a teacher for teachers, Top Score Writing is the one and only program solely dedicated to teaching students to become e ective writers. Our comprehensive curriculum uses a unique step-bystep system specifically designed to teach writing to students in Grades K-12. Incremental daily lessons break down the parts of an essay, including planning and strategizing, and use repetition and mastery techniques to build individual skills, culminating in the ability to form well-written, complete essays.
We make it simple for teachers to teach writing and easy for students to learn how to write.
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE? Our print and digital gradelevel kits consist of 80-112 fun, interactive lessons complete with everything teachers need to teach writing daily for an entire school year. Every module includes step-bystep instructions, modeling, guided and independent practice, activities, homework, quizzes, tests, prompts, and Lexile-leveled reading passages. All lessons and materials are tailor-made for each grade level and follow a specific sequence to master expository/informative, opinion/ argumentative, and narrative writing. For high school students, research papers and college writing are also covered. Our yearly digital license also includes teacher-led video lessons, PowerPoint presentations, and more for every lesson in our curriculum.
HOW DO I USE IT? Using Top Score Writing couldn’t be easier. With our yearly digital license, teachers can access our programs by simply logging on to our online platform. Materials can be downloaded and printed for classroom use or used digitally with a variety of classroom technologies. Whether teachers prefer print or digital materials, everything they need is at their fingertips, all in one place. We lead teachers and students through the writing process with fun, engaging lessons that can be taught using a variety of learning modalities. It can be as simple as pushing play.
WHAT ARE
THE BENEFITS?
Top Score Writing works. Students of all levels and aptitudes thrive using our system, which has been proven to increase writing scores by an average of 70% based on real data. Di erentiation is incorporated organically throughout the curriculum, ensuring struggling students leap forward and advanced students reach higher levels. Teachers benefit as well. Top Score Writing relieves teachers from having to piece together materials and invent their own writing lessons. No additional outside materials are needed, saving teachers valuable time and money. With more than ever on their plates, teaching writing can be the easiest part of their day.
WHY? Because writing matters. Lisa Collum, a former Title I public school teacher, created Top Score Writing because she was determined to see every child in her classroom succeed. Students who use Top Score Writing become competent writers and gain a lifelong skill that builds confidence and helps foster success in other subject areas. Top Score Writing helps students from every level and background develop the writing proficiency needed to succeed in school, higher education, and eventually the workplace. These crucial skills will open doors and serve them for a lifetime.
CURRICULUM
The Top Score Writing curriculum for grades K-12 includes day-to-day lessons that teach expository/informative, argumentative/opinion, and narrative writing. These lessons include modeling, guided and independent practice, skill checks, practice assessments, and homework.
LESSON PLANS, STUDENT ACTIVITIES, EDITING & CONFERENCING
for
in their
(Source 1). Without
to
well-balanced
and students rely on
these students would be
during the day. This is why eating school lunch is not only better than eating food from home, but it could be absolutely essential for students’ overall health. Second, it is evident that school lunches are not harmful to students’ bodies because they include a variety of healthy food. One reason why the food is so healthy is because the United States Department of Agriculture has a federal mandate that requires it. Source 1 states that “lunch is a critical meal for kids and their nutritional health.” Therefore, “the National School Lunch Program has teamed up with the USDA to provide every kid either a serving of fresh fruit or vegetable at each school meal” (Source 3). This means that if schools don’t serve healthy options, they are breaking the law. Students’ health is protected by the USDA, so school lunches can’t be that harmful. School lunches also provide students with many healthy options. Source 3 lists some of the healthy choices that students are offered during lunch including an assortment of fruits and vegetables. The passage “Why I Eat School Lunch” further elaborates on this idea by reinforcing the idea that students are offered fresh fruit and healthy items such as pita and hummus. When the school cafeteria offers such healthy options, students can’t help but make the healthy choice. They know the advantages of following a healthy diet and want to look and feel good.
Lastly, my opponents, those who think school lunches are harmful, would say that school lunches aren’t healthier just because there is a fruit or vegetable option. However, there are articles that claim that the actual meals are healthier and students are more likely to choose them. For example, the passage “Healthier Than You Think” discusses the importance of school lunches because they make it possible for kids to get a meal that is nutritious, keeps them full and gives them the energy they need to get through the day. It also goes on Explicit skill practice Repetition and practice Visuals Structure Modeling Color-coding
Text-marking strategies and note taking Monitoring student progress Tracking specific skill development
ASSESSMENT RESOURCES
PASSAGES
The Top Score Writing K-1 curriculum provides resources for all levels of writers. This curriculum includes lessons and activities that teach foundational skills, expository writing, opinion writing, and narrative writing.
K-1 CURRICULUM
NEW!
Includes planning template adapted for K-1
Incorporates drawings to help generate ideas and supporting details
Teaches students to organize thoughts and write in an organized structure
Transforms concepts and ideas into sentences
Provides structure for essays using boxed paper
Expands editing skills with an evolving checklist that mirrors student development
Contains engaging, grade-level appropriate text
Introduces marking strategies
Allows students to apply fundamental skills learned in previous units to text-based writing
DIGITAL RESOURCES
★ Professional Development Courses
★ Teacher-led Video Lessons (2-8)
★ PowerPoint for Each Lesson (2-8)
★ Daily Grammar Lessons (K-8)
★ PDFs of All Lessons and Resources Easily Accessible
VIDEO LESSONS
Just push PLAY!
Every section includes teacher-led video lessons (Grades 2-8)
Top Score
Writing
is a researchbased program
Top Score Writing Curricula’s Application of Evidence-Based Practices in Writing Instruction
Evidence-Based Practice from Literature Review
Provide students with daily time to write.
Teach students to use the writing process for a variety of purposes.
Example of How Top Score Writing Applies This Practice
Top Score Writing provides students with daily time to write about a variety of topics for a variety of purposes, with 80 or more lessons available in Grades 2 through 5.
The Top Score Writing elementary school curricula teach expository, informative, opinion, and narrative writing. Lessons for each writing type scaffold students in developing procedural strategies to draft a complete text that fulfills the outline’s purpose and prompt.
Teach students to become fluent with handwriting, spelling, sentence construction, typing, and word processing.
Create an engaged community of writers.
Top Score Writing regularly breaks instruction down to the most basic building blocks of written composition in addition to addressing the broader purposes of writing.
All Top Score Writing elementary school curricula emphasize community-building via student-teacher conferences and peer revision activities. Teachers and students work collaboratively to improve student writing and establish a support system that students can utilize in future writing instruction cycles.
Top Score Writing Instructional Process
Top Score Writing utilizes a consistent process for writing strategy instruction that gradually transfers responsibility to the students. The teacher models, gives students opportunities for guided practice with teacher assistance, and then provides independent practice opportunities.
★ The teacher provides an explanation and modeling of what the strategy is and how it is used.
★ Support is provided for student practice of the strategy (e.g., in the form of guiding questions, examples, graphic organizers, and anchor charts).
★ The teacher guides the class through one or more examples in applying the strategy.
★ Students practice applying the strategy individually, with the teacher circulating to provide help as needed.
• The teacher evaluates and provides feedback.
• The process is often repeated multiple times for key strategies or strategies students are likely to find particularly challenging.
Elementary School Writing Data
NUMBER OF STUDENTS PROFICIENT GALENA ELEMENTARY
August - 0/19
March - 15/19
August - 7/35
January - 26/35
April - 31/37
August - 7/35
January - 26/35
April - 31/37 This is the one and only program dedicated to teaching students how to become effective writers.
New Augusta Public Academy Indiana’s ILEARN State ASSESSMENT
Real data tells the best story.
Percentage of 6 graders proficient after using Top Score th for just 1 year!
STANDARDS
Writing Standards
GRADE 3
Text Types and Purposes
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
a. Introduce the topic or text, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.
SAMPLE
3.W.1
b. Provide reasons that support the opinion.
c. Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons.
d. Provide a concluding statement or section.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
a. Introduce a topic and group related information in together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
Lessons 45-64, 71-76, 99, 101, 103
Lessons 48-52, 98
Lessons 48-55, 57, 59, 71-74, 76, 94
Lessons 52, 60, 95
Lessons 56, 58, 75
Lessons 23-44, 65-70, 100, 102
Lessons 26-30, 98
3.W.2
b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
c. Use linking words and phrases e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information.
d. Provide a concluding statement or section.
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
a. Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
Lessons 31-33, 35, 37, 65-68, 70, 94
Lessons 38, 95
Lessons 34, 36, 69
Lessons 77-91
Lessons 78-81
3.W.3
b. Use dialogue and description of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations
c. Use a temporal words and phrases to signal event order.
d. Provide a sense of closure.
Lessons 82, 87-88
Lesson 85
Lesson 83
SAMPLE
Spiral and Distribution of Standards
The
progression of core skills from one grade level to the next
Kindergarten I can use drawing, dictation, and some writing on a 4-part picture planning outline to plan accordingly to a prompt.
1st I can use drawing and writing on a 4-part picture planning outline to plan accordingly to a prompt.
I can dictate and use some writing to introduce what the prompt is asking in one sentence utilizing my picture plan.
I can write using my picture plan to introduce the central idea.
I can use drawing, dictation, and some writing to provide a topic sentence for each body paragraph utilizing my picture plan.
I can use the drawing and writing in my picture plan to provide a topic sentence that includes a basic transition and some detail sentences using evidence from text for each body paragraph.
I can dictate and use some writing to conclude what the prompt is asking in one sentence utilizing my picture plan. With help from my teacher, I can re-read my work to check for details, transitions, capitalization, and punctuation.
I can utilize my picture plan to restate my central idea in a conclusion.
Using a short checklist, I can re-read my work to check for details, transitions, capitalization, and punctuation.
2nd I can respond to a prompt by planning for a 5-paragraph essay utilizing an IRC/ ITC/BTE outline.
I can write a satisfying 3-sentence introduction that includes a simple hook, the central idea, and a closing statement.
I can write 3 body paragraphs that include a topic sentence with a basic transition and detail sentences that include paraphrasing and references to the source.
I can write a satisfying 3-sentence conclusion that includes a summary, restatement of the central idea, and a thought/feeling.
I can work independently or collaboratively with a peer to assess and edit my essay. I can utilize this information to conference with my teacher and make revisions.
5th Grade Pacing Guide
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
At Top Score Writing, we are not just teaching students to become writers we are empowering educators to become expert instructors, equipping them with the skills to foster a love of writing that will last a lifetime.
Professional development is key to successfully implementing curriculum with fidelity, ensuring maximum results for schools and students. As teachers grow, their increased efficacy boosts student achievement and engagement.
This professional development plan provides a flexible approach for teachers. Schools are encouraged to purchase the number of sequential sessions that best aligns with their teachers’ professional needs and goals. Additional supplemental training is also available.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Create & Collaborate: Make-and-Take Workshop
Insight to Impact: Classroom Walk-Through Observations and Feedback for Growth
Virtual Suppport: Available Hourly
1
2
LAUNCH: Build a Strong Start Together
This initial training introduces the program and its resources, giving teachers the essential information they need to begin instruction with confidence. Focus: Sections 1-2.
3
ACCELERATE: Skills for Sustained Success
This training continues with tools to monitor understanding, make instructional decisions, and incorporate engaging writing activities across content areas. Focus: Sections: 3-6
4
ALIGN: Achieve Consistency in Scoring
This training guides teachers in scoring accurately and reliably using a rubric. Teams work collaboratively to score as a group, ensuring their data are both reliable and valid.
5
ELEVATE: Observe Expert Strategies for Teaching
Top Score Writing consultants model lessons with students that incorporate best practices for teaching writing and debrief with teachers afterward to enhance teaching strategies.
INNOVATE: Mid-Year Reflection for Impact and Growth
This is a strategic mid-year session where teachers reflect on progress, assess their impact, and learn strategies to refine their approach to drive continued growth.
1
FY 25-26 Curriculum Price List
TEACHER PRINT CURRICULUM SETS
Kindergarten and Grade 1 ………
Grade 2
Grades 3-8
2
3
4
5
6
7
$250 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
$350 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
$450 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
Grades 9-12 (combined) …………… $450 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
TEACHER DIGITAL CURRICULUM SETS
Kindergarten and Grade 1 ……… $99 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
Grades 2-8 …………………………………… $250 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
Grades 9-12 (combined) $250 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
TEACHER PRINT AND DIGITAL COMBO CURRICULUM SETS
Kindergarten and Grade 1
Grade 2
$325 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
$525 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
Grades 3-8 …………………………………… $625 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
Grades 9-12 (combined) $625 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
OPTIONAL STUDENT WORKBOOK OF PASSAGES
Kindergarten and Grade 1 Not available
Grades 2-8 …………………………………… $35 per student
Grades 9-12 (combined) $35 per student
OPTIONAL STUDENT WORKBOOK OF ACTIVITIES
Kindergarten and Grade 1 ……… $45 per student
Grades 2-8 $45 per student
Grades 9-12 (combined) $45 per student
OPTIONAL GRAMMAR BOOKS
Kindergarten Not available
Grades 1-2
$99 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
Grades 3-8 …………………………………… $125 per teacher/grade level(s) taught
OPTIONAL PAPER SCORING (Arizona and Florida Only)
Kindergarten Not available
Grades 1-2 …………………………………… $12 per student/paper
Grades 3-8 …………………………………… $12 per student/paper
TESTIMONIALS
“I have been using the Top Score program in my ninth grade English classes for the past four years. I’ve seen significant improvement in my students’ writing, especially with organization and elaboration. The ITC/IRC outline process makes planning for essays so much easier for students to work with and map their ideas. The elaboration questions Top Score provides assist in prompting students to answer questions and generate their own analysis. Top Score is a versatile program suitable for writers of all levels, which I highly recommend to any Language Arts teacher!”
“I have used the Top Score Writing program in my schools for over 10 years. As a principal, I can tell you this program is comprehensive and effective. It gets results! I used this program in Title I schools as well as ‘A’ rated schools and it works with all students. My teachers love it, and the students are learning how to become effective writers. The simplicity of the program for teachers and students is what makes it unique. We love this program!”
Tammy Ferguson Principal, The Weiss School
“I have been implementing Top Score Writing for three years in my 3rd grade classroom. It provides an easy-to-follow sequence for the students that allows them to flourish as writers. The amount of growth that I see from the beginning of the year to the end is very gratifying and my students gain so much confidence.”
Cassandra
Hernandez
Dean of Instruction, Metcalf Elementary School
“As principal of a Title I school, I can say that this is the best program we have in our building. It is so simple and easy for teachers to follow. They have everything they need for daily lessons, and all of the resources are included in the teacher kits. My teachers have the tools they need to feel confident in their teaching. Our ELA scores continue to soar because of this program. Highly effective!”
Annemarie Dilbert
Principal, Crosspointe Elementary
“This is my 5th year with Top Score Writing, and I truly love this curriculum! This year, my students love the articles and that makes teaching it fun! I love that the articles cover a variety of interests.”
Katelyn Scarboro King 4th Grade Teacher, Madison Creative Arts Academy, Inc.
“Top Score Writing has enhanced our teachers’ understanding of effective writing instruction, leading to noticeable improvements in our students’ writing abilities. Since integrating Top Score Writing into our curriculum, we’ve witnessed not only an increase of scores in our data but also a significant boost in the confidence levels of both our students and teachers. We’ve been utilizing Top Score Writing for five years, initially introducing it in 1st grade. As a result, our students enter each subsequent grade level equipped with a solid grasp of academic vocabulary and writing fundamentals.”
Ashley Triana Curriculum Coach, Somerset Academy South
Janina Jeffs AICE ELA High School Teacher, Jupiter High School
FREE online platform for students to practice typing essays!
FREE Typing Test Site
https://tswtest.com/
HERE’S H OW IT WORKS:
★ Email the passages to your students (or upload them to Google Classroom).
★ Have them upload the passages on the site.
★ Students can then begin typing their essays.
★ Once completed, students can easily download their essays to their computer and email them to you or submit them through Google Classroom.
★ No logins, no setup—just start typing!
★ Upload any passage, type essays, and submit them directly to teachers.
★ A simple, effective way to help students build their writing and typing skills.
This tool is designed to simulate the state writing test, giving students the opportunity to practice typing their essays and familiarize themselves with the testing experience.